April 9, 2021

6589 Views

How Digital Is Changing the World of Travel Nursing Today

Posted on April 9, 2021January 16, 2023 by Tailored Healthcare Staffing- THS

This article was provided by Tailored Healthcare Staffing.

We live in a world where technology is a part of almost everything, from refrigerators that can tell us which groceries we need to cars that drive themselves. It’s also a vital part of healthcare when it comes to creating better patient outcomes and making work lives simpler, including the world of travel nursing.

A savvy registered nurse who is looking to travel or is already on the road shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of the many helpful apps that are available. Digital has the ability to positively impact any travel nurse, both personally and professionally, from finding that ideal assignment to discovering local food hotspots in a new city.

Digitally Book an Assignment

There are countless apps for booking hotels, vacation rentals, airfare, and just about anything else travel-related, including travel nursing jobs. One of the best new digital apps available today is called On Demand and is exclusively available from Tailored Healthcare Staffing, a Gypsy Nurse Best Overall Travel Nurse Staffing Agency. This app allows you to book an assignment, with or without a recruiter, all in the palm of your hand. By simplifying the job search and application process, you can apply for travel nurse jobs available across the country and get real-time updates on your progress.

Apps For Your Road Trip

When it’s time to hit the road, there are lots of helpful apps to get you to that next travel nurse job. Waze is a favorite as the largest community-based traffic and navigation app. It provides real-time traffic information so that you can avoid gridlock and even police radar traps. You can use it to find the cheapest gas on your route and even remember where you parked when stopping at the mall for some new scrubs or anything else. RoadTrippers is fantastic for trip planning if you want to take your time checking out some of the sights along the way. It provides multiple options for routing your travel between destinations from obscure stopovers to scenic byways and national parks.

Travel Inspiration

Not sure where you want to go for that next assignment? With so many enticing destinations to choose from when it comes to registered nurse jobs, including travel nursing jobs, it can be overwhelming. Digital can provide the travel inspiration you need to make the best decision. According to MMGY Global’s 2019–2020 Portrait of American Travelers® study, nearly half of Instagram users are using the app to find new travel destinations. This platform offers so many ways to search and save both locations and images; you could easily plan your next travel nurse assignment from this app alone. When viewing photos or videos, tap the location tag to pinpoint exactly where the image was taken and search for others in the same area.

Scope Out the Best Restaurants

Whether you’re traveling to your travel nursing job or you’re already on that assignment, you’ll want to know where the best places to eat are. TripAdvisor provides reliable reviews on restaurants (and other travel-related businesses like hotels or even wine tasting venues) worldwide. It also has a forum feature that will allow you to ask questions for the community, providing a great way to get some insider tips.

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, use Hap p yCow to find restaurants that will meet your requirements.

Stay Connected with Travel Nurse Friends

As a travel nurse working with so many different people in various cities, you probably find yourself with friends in numerous states. Please take advantage of digital, including social media platforms like Facebook, to stay connected to them, exchanging advice while keeping apprised on the latest in nursing news, what’s going on at the hospital you worked at together, and more. It might even bring the opportunity to work with some of your favorite RNs again on future travel nursing jobs.

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By Gayatri Regester

April 8, 2021

6290 Views

Yoga, Meditation, Self-Care, and Why I Started This Journey

Posted on April 8, 2021January 17, 2023 by Gayatri Regester

What is our purpose in life?

This is a question I have found myself asking many times over the years, first arising during my senior year in nursing school. I was anxious, depressed, and numbing myself with various substances to avoid the pain I did not know how to handle.

Wake Up Call

My clinical rotation that fall semester had me in an inpatient psychiatric unit, where we would start the day off with an AA meeting. I listened to my patients as they shared their stories of serving in the military and how they were not equipped with the tools necessary to deal with the emotional and mental challenges they had endured. To cope with their symptoms of severe anxiety, depression, panic attacks, they too found their solution in drugs and alcohol. One morning, I looked at the people around me and felt an overwhelming feeling of compassion and empathy, but also a feeling that this experience was a wake-up call. Like a mirror, my patients were showing me the suffering I was too afraid to look it with-in myself. I needed a real solution to face my traumas and find healing.

The book called Lessons in Meditation

The solution came in the book called “Lessons in Meditation” written by Jyotish Novak. I began following the lessons and instantly felt as if this book was showing me the light out of the darkness around me. Each day in clinical, I would sit with several of my patients and walk them through the simple meditation tools shared in this book.

One day was a particularly profound moment I will never forget. One of my patients had previously opened up to me about the hatred he felt for himself and the things he had done in his life. His mental dialogue for the last twenty years was, “I am a monster.” We were meditating for about 15 minutes when he said very quietly, but with immense joy, “the voice in my head has silenced.” The joy in his smile and the feeling of inner forgiveness I felt from him were palpable. I knew these meditation techniques had shifted the inner narrative within him and had transformed him in some profound way. Seeing his transformation, I knew these techniques had the power to transform lives. I felt hope and joy for the first time in many years.

About a year after starting to meditate, this question again surfaced in my mind-

What is the purpose of my life?

Again the answer came in a book, this time “Autobiography of a Yogi” written by the Paramhansa Yogananda. I wanted what he had- freedom and infinite joy! (I later would find out, Jyotish Novak was a spiritual director of Ananda Worldwide, a church dedicated to sharing the teachings of Yogananda)

I began to orient my life around a search for that joy he talked about, which eventually led me to the Ananda Meditation Retreat in 2017. I lived and served here for several years, attuning myself with the vibration of stillness and diving deep into the teachings of Yogananda. Profound healing, discovery, growth, and joy were found during this time.

Spiritual Community

I continue to live in a spiritual community, and it gives me great inspiration to share with others these tools and techniques that have changed my life. Simple tools to uplift one’s consciousness, to let go of limiting thoughts and attitudes, and find a deeper connection with your highest Self.

As a nurse, I know the difficulties that come with the job and how little we were taught on how to deal with the emotional aspects of being a nurse. What’s even harder is the loss of hope and inspiration I have heard so many nurses express this past year. As nurses, we have chosen a life dedicated to serving others. We must learn how to care for ourselves, not only physically, but we must also learn how to mentally and emotionally support ourselves so that we can continue to give to others. Meditation, breathwork, and other yoga principles are incredibly helpful tools. By reconnecting to the compassion within our hearts, we can rediscover the inspiration and job satisfaction that inspired us to become nurses. And with tools of self-care and centering, we can remain heart-opened without burning out and depleting ourselves.

I look forward to sharing with you 🙂

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By Host Healthcare

April 7, 2021

9937 Views

Guide to COVID-19 Travel Nurse Quarantine

Posted on April 7, 2021April 29, 2021 by Host Healthcare

This article was provided by Host Healthcare.

Nurse Quarantine Pay Policy

The COVID 19 pandemic is a serious concern for every person in the world right now—especially healthcare workers. Due to close contact with the virus, medical professionals must worry about answering questions like What happens if I contract COVID-19? Will I be unable to work? Do healthcare providers get paid during quarantine?

Potential Exposure to COVID-19

Despite having the utmost safety measures in place, it’s possible for travelers to contract—or come in contact with—COVID-19. Although treatment of COVID-19 patients is common in many healthcare facilities, travel nurses should be cautious of contracting the virus through other ways.

If a coworker or someone you live with has tested positive or begun to show symptoms of COVID-19, then you may be required to quarantine before returning to work. Common symptoms to look out for should include:

Fever
Shortness of breath
Dry cough
Loss of taste and smell
Head and body aches

How to Stay Safe While Working During COVID-19

The best way to avoid having to quarantine is by keeping yourself safe—both on and off the clock. The Center for Disease Control recommend these sanitary practices in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Wash your hands frequently, for a minimum of 20 seconds
Sanitize hands, surfaces, and tools regularly (with at least 60% alcohol)
Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth when out in public
Report any new symptoms to your employer
Stay home if you’re feeling sick or following a potential exposure to COVID-19
Wear a mask when at work and in public
Get tested regularly if working in the medical field

Doing your best to avoid COVID-19 is always recommended, but sometimes exposure can still occur.

Getting Paid in Quarantine

When working as a traveling healthcare worker with Host Healthcare, you won’t have to worry about missing a paycheck due to COVID-19 complications. Here’s what makes Host’s quarantine pay policy different from other healthcare agencies:

Exposure – If exposure to COVID-19 is deemed a possibility, your facility will require you to quarantine for up to two weeks. A positive COVID-19 test may not be required in order to begin quarantining due to the fact that safety is the highest priority at this time.

Quarantine – During your quarantine, Host Healthcare will ensure travelers receive their normal paycheck for up to 14 days after exposure. Host understands that this is a challenging time to work in the medical field, and they appreciate the hard work you’re doing, both in and out of quarantine.

Return to work – When conditions are safe and travelers feel ready, they can begin working again following their isolation period. A negative COVID-19 test may also be required before you’re able to return to the facility.

Although paid sick leave may seem like a given, not all providers are taking this approach to handling the subject of quarantine pay.

Laws Regarding Quarantine Pay

The unfortunate truth is that not all healthcare workers are being compensated for their quarantine periods. Federal laws have allowed various loopholes regarding quarantine pay, creating difficult conditions for healthcare workers.

While it’s true that government funding is being used to cover salaries for certain medical facilities, those with less than 500 employees do not qualify for this relief. Under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, employers are technically not required to pay sick leave for doctors and nurses quarantined.

How Are Hospitals Protecting Their Employees From COVID-19?

In addition to personal safety measures, many medical facilities are implementing their own precautions against COVID-19. If you’re concerned about your safety as a traveling healthcare provider, here’s what you should know about working during the pandemic:

Screening – Hospitals and other medical facilities have intensified their screening and Coronavirus testing procedures. Patients and employees alike are being closely monitored for signs of COVID-19, particularly respiratory symptoms and fever.

Separation – Patients who have contracted COVID-19 are safely separated from the general hospital population to prevent an outbreak. Creating a degree of space between infected and non-infected patients allows social distancing measures to be properly followed.

Personal protection equipment – The latest personal protection equipment (PPE) is given to all healthcare providers when available. This includes masks, face shields, gloves, and disinfectants.

How Does Travel Nursing Work Under COVID-19 Restrictions?

If you’re interested in becoming a traveling healthcare professional, you may be feeling discouraged by the recent COVID-19 restrictions. Fortunately, we have all the answers you need to make this important career decision a bit easier:

Are There Any Domestic Travel Bans?

There are currently no restrictions barring people from traveling between states. Whether you’re a certified healthcare worker or not, domestic travel within the United States is allowed for any reason.

Do I Have to Quarantine After Traveling?

Although there are no travel bans, many states require a 10-14 day quarantine period upon arrival. Fortunately, traveling healthcare workers are exempt from these restrictions due to their classification as essential workers.

What About Shelter-in-Place Orders?

Similar to other travel restrictions, healthcare workers will not be required to follow shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders. Lockdowns and curfews will not be enforced on traveling nurses or therapists as long as they provide proof of employment (License, Employment contract, or Hospital ID badge).

Make sure to find an agency that looks out for you during this unusual time. We thank you for all of your hard work and stay safe!

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By The Gypsy Nurse

April 4, 2021

9253 Views

What Your Travel Nurse Recruiter Wants/Needs/Expects From You

Posted on April 4, 2021January 16, 2023 by The Gypsy Nurse

Learning what your travel nurse recruiter wants/need/expect is an important aspect of building a mutually beneficial relationship. Just as it’s important for our recruiters to know what we are looking for in them or expect out of them, it’s important to know what is important to them as a recruiter.

Do you know what your recruiter wants from you? Do you know what qualities they feel they need in a travel nurse? Are the recruiter’s expectations known to you?

I recently consulted with several Travel Nurse Staffing Companies. I asked them to answer three simple questions to understand better how to help a recruiter build an effective working relationship.

I asked…

1. What do you WANT from a traveler?
2. What do you NEED from a traveler?
3. What do you Expect from a traveler?

I received some great responses from the recruitment side of things. Some were expected, and some were surprises. Here are the recruiters that responded and their answers.

Jason Sagehorn, Recruiter at Triage Staffing

I think it comes down to a few things. While experience and work history will always play a role, hospitals are placing a greater emphasis on flexibility. The traveling nursing pool is stocked with qualified candidates, and competition for jobs is fierce. The more flexible a candidate can be, the better chance they have of landing positions, regardless of experience.

Another thing is communication, understanding, and teamwork. I kind of group these all together. I want nurses to feel that they are a part of a team. As a Recruiter, my success is directly linked to the success of the RN. Sitting in Omaha, NE, I do not know what is happening on a day-to-day basis with my travelers unless they communicate and keep me in the loop. By communicating openly and often, we create “win-win” situations.

As a final thought, the traveling industry is changing and evolving as a whole. Vendor management companies, aka “Third Party Vendors,” are gaining a larger share of hospital contracts than in the past. The agencies are responsible for paying these “middle” vendors a fee, which affects how we can pay our travelers. While we are all motivated to maximize our earnings (staffing firms, recruiters, and RN’s), we have to keep the current market conditions in mind as we move forward.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 10-years of Recruiting, it’s that the medical staffing world is cyclical. At the end of the day, there will always be a demand for flexible, dependable, and professional traveling RN’s.

**Crystal Lovato, Manager of Recruitment, Freedom Healthcare Staffing**

My Top 10

1.     Honesty is the most important to me.
2.     Mutual respect.
3.     An understanding that this is a team effort and we each do our part.
4.     Realistic expectations
5.     Honoring a commitment – If a traveler backs out of an assignment after accepting, there should be a good cause.
6.     Honor the rate/package negotiated upon submission – As a recruiter, I never renegotiate after the offer.
7.     Good patient care
8.     Professionalism – Be a good representative of our agency
9.     Being cooperative with Quality Assurance
10. Communication – If there is a question, issue, concern, I need to know asap. I can’t fix what I’m not aware of.

Andy Wuebben, Senior Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I want a traveler that is friendly, professional, and courteous. This is a working relationship, so trust and honesty are the most important things to make a successful long-term recruiter/nurse relationship work.

I need a traveler with at least 1 year’s experience in whatever specialty they want to travel and preferably past travel experience. I also need them to be flexible and be able to open to helping the facility in whatever way possible.

I expect a traveler to be upfront and honest with me about what they have going on. We are working very hard, spending a lot of time helping locate job opportunities, and an open line of communication and consistent updates if their situation changes are crucial to a successful relationship. The worst thing that can happen is for us to have someone submitted and push for a phone screen only to find out that our facility calls them they have accepted another position that we have no idea about.

Beth Ann Turner, Senior Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I want a traveler:

That communicates well and will return a phone call/text promptly.
Who is open to getting to know their recruiter personally
Who isn’t afraid to try new places for a contract even if it isn’t their “perfect” location.

I need a traveler:

To put their best foot forward on a new contract.

I expect a traveler:

To commit to deadlines on paperwork.
Will show up to work on time and have reliable attendance.

Tom Horan, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is open-minded and positive
I NEED a reliable traveler
I EXPECT a traveler to be honest about their needs/plans/etc.

Donald Kinsey, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is motivated and energetic
I NEED a traveler that has experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
I EXPECT a traveler to be flexible.

Erin Penza, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is hardworking
I NEED a traveler that has good communication skills
I EXPECT a traveler to be able to adapt to different situations at the hospital and be flexible

Jason Palleria, Senior Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I WANT a traveler that is experienced and knows the ins and outs of travel.
I NEED a reliable traveler that does not need a lot of push to have items completed.

I EXPECT a traveler to use me as their main resource for ANYTHING!!!

Andrew Johnson, Recruiter TotalMed Staffing

I want a traveler that is energetic, motivated and enjoys their profession.
I need a traveler with at least 2 years of experience, past travel experience, and who worked within their specialty in a clinical setting within the past year.
I expect a traveler to keep an open communication line with me, always letting me know if they have any concerns.

I want to thank the companies and recruiters that contributed to this post. I feel that it’s important to have a mutually respectful relationship with your recruiter. Besides informing your recruiters what your wants/needs/expectations are, find out what your recruiter wants/needs/expects.

Recruiters reading this, feel free to post in the comments what your wants/needs/expectations are. Gypsy nurses everywhere need to know…

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By Geraldine Mills

April 2, 2021

7036 Views

Stress Relief: 5 Activities That Can Help Travel Nurses Relax

Posted on April 2, 2021May 19, 2021 by Geraldine Mills

Stress is inherent in any work, and travel nurses are not exempted from it. As a nurse, you are exposed to physical exhaustion, endless documentation, and more. Add to that the fact that you are miles away from your family and friends. Working as a nurse is inherently stressful. And working abroad is like a double whammy. But being in a different place also provides you a unique opportunity to manage and relieve stress. That said, we have listed down five actionable tips travel nurses can do to combat stress:

Get as Much Sleep as Possible

It goes without saying that sleep allows you to refresh your mind and body. It helps rejuvenate our immune and cardiovascular systems. Sleep also improves our cognitive and mental faculties. This explains why sleep deprivation leads to a lack of focus, attention, and vigilance ‒ vital when you are working as a nurse. Hence, you must get the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep. However, travel nurses are prone to sleep deprivation. That’s because most travel nurses work in institutions where there is a lack of healthcare providers. This means long and excruciating work shifts. That said, we suggest getting as sleep as you can. Catch up on sleep during your off days and take a quick nap during your break time if possible.

Practice Mindfulness

Aside from long work hours, your job can also be hectic. Thus, it is best to practice mindfulness in times like these. Doing so can be as simple as knowing when to stop and take deep breaths. This only takes a few minutes and prevents you from being overwhelmed. Another practice you would want to incorporate is meditation. Once you are off your shift and ready for bed, you can listen to this guided sleep meditation from Mindful.org. This sleep meditation allows you to ease yourself to sleep by helping you settle your mind. You can also do a warm shower, as it can help your body muscles relax. As a result, it relieves your body’s tension, allowing you to have better sleep quality.

Get Your Body Moving

If you are the active kind, we encourage you to carve a time in your day to exercise. This could in many forms like calisthenics, yoga, or dancing. It is also a great time to unplug. Instead of scrolling your Facebook feed endlessly or reclining on your couch, you might as well go out and exercise. No gym near where you are residing? No problem! Exercising does not have to be constrained within the four walls of the gym. You can work out in your home, ride a bike, or take a hike if your location permits it. What’s important is that you do the things that can get your body moving.

Take Time Off Between Assignments

Depending on your recruiter, your assignment can range from a month to a year. After every deployment, you can go home and spend time with your family for a week or two. We suggest that you take advantage of these breaks before moving on to your next assignment. Doing so not only allows you to relax and be with your loved ones. It also gives you a sense of familiarity that signals safety. This explains why it feels good to sleep in your bed after a vacation.

Have a Support System

Having a support system to help you manage stress is often overlooked. After all, working as a travel nurse can expose you to new and unfamiliar territory. As such, it is best to surround yourself with people who can be your excellent sounding board. These can be your fellow travel nurses, your employer and recruiter, and your family and friends. That said, you should also take the time to reach out and spend time with people you trust. That way, you have someone to vent to or help you ease your mind off of work.

Conclusion

It is best to know that there is no stress-free work. Hence, it is something that you should anticipate should you decide to work as a travel nurse. That said, it can help that you know what you can do and who you can reach out to when you are stressed. Doing so allows you to manage stress and ensures that you are in peak condition whenever you tend your patients.

We hope you found these tips to help travel nurses relax helpful. Have you found ways to help you relax while you are on assignment? Comment them below.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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By Go Healthcare Staffing

April 1, 2021

5588 Views

NursesEverywhere: Nurses Celebrate!!!!

Posted on April 1, 2021March 22, 2021 by Go Healthcare Staffing

This article was provided by Go Healthcare.

NursesEverywhere is a voluntary non-partisan coalition based in New Orleans comprised of nationally and internationally recognized health care leaders and innovators committed to improving health outcomes. The organization is dedicated to educating the public about their rights to access nursing care.

You Didn’t Have To- Brown & Grey

During the 2020 holidays, NursesEverywhere shared an incredible song by Brown & Grey, “You Didn’t Have Too,” for everyone to acknowledge their beyond-expectation efforts throughout the Covid pandemic.

Now, utilizing this song and its message of gratitude to nurses, we are looking for celebratory video montages with the song as background.

Competition Outline

Click, and you will see a sample of the Contest – NursesEverywhere and read the competition outline. I know about all those talented and spirited nurses all over. We are hoping that several units/services might want to participate and compete among themselves and nationally.

The competition is April 1- May 15, and the winners of the #ThankANurseContest will be announced the last week of May – just in time to close out the 2021 celebration of Nurses Month!

Click here to participate.

Good luck with this contest! If you have any questions about this contest please refer them to NursesEverywhere.

If you love contests, check out our Gypsy Nurse Contest Page. We frequently run fun contests for amazing prizes. Be sure to check back often as we change them out as often as possible.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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—Meagan L. | Cath Lab

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By trustaff

March 31, 2021

6576 Views

Spring Locations to Consider this Year

Posted on March 31, 2021May 19, 2021 by trustaff

This article was provided by TruStaff.

Spring is finally here, and that means assignments are in full force. If you haven’t decided where to head next, we’ve created a list of highly suggested areas that could help make up your mind. Whether you like hiking, national parks, hot attractions, the beach, or secluded wooded cabins, the perfect spring assignment is waiting.

Check out these hot spots that should be topping your spring locations to consider this year:

Stop 1: Texas

Like they always say, everything’s bigger in Texas! Including your options on where to travel. Texas has 80 state parks across the entire state, which means lots of options for camping, hiking, fishing, or whatever your outdoor heart desires.

Texas has it all! Want to go to a beach? Got it! A buzzing city? They have MANY! Maybe you’re more of a country and relaxed pace of living person–there’s a small charming Lone Star town with your name on it. Texas is a HOT area for all travelers year-round, but spring in Texas sounds pretty nice to us, and the job options are plentiful.

Stop 2: Maine

Maine is definitely a must-stop for all travelers! The scenery throughout the entire state is stunning. Many travelers suggest making a full road trip just to see its beautiful scenery. It’s highly suggested to get out of the buzzing city life and experience the small towns in Maine, especially along the coast.

Obviously, Maine is known for its dining – and specifically for lobster! What better chance to find the best seafood stop or find a great small local business to support. April and May are peak whale-watching months, and we hear Maine’s coast has prime viewing to see these amazing creatures come to the surface. Truly a must-see adventure!

Stop 3: Arizona

Arizona is known for its deserts and hiking but also its sweltering weather. So why not avoid the mid-summer 100+ temps and adventure on in before the heat waves come through?

The state has many breath-taking views through many parks and hiking trails, and this alone makes the trip worth it. The Grand Canyon National Park is a MUST for any traveler! And for any baseball fans – you already know Arizona is the place to be for Spring Training.

Stop 4: North Carolina

North Carolina is a highly requested location for almost every traveler. It really has it all! The southern warmth, beaches, greenery, and much more. They have many beaches along the coast where you can hang out in the sand, surf, paddleboard, or even boat!

Maybe you’re more into the greener side of NC, with beautiful mountain views and hiking trails, including the Pisgah National Forest, which has over 250 waterfalls! We also hear the brewery and winery scene in NC is top-tier if that’s what floats your boat!

All four of these states have so much to see and do and a ton of available jobs for you to choose from. No matter your area of specialty, you’ll be able to start planning your next few months of work and play.

Wherever you end up this spring, make sure you enjoy some amazing adventures!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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By AMN Healthcare

March 30, 2021

7739 Views

5 Things to Keep in Mind During Your Travel Nurse Housing Search

Posted on March 30, 2021January 16, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Although most agencies can arrange housing for travel nurses on assignment, some RNs prefer to accept a stipend and find their own places to stay. If you’re searching for short-term travel nurse housing, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. How your stipend works and what that means for acquiring housing

Chances are, rental costs will be a primary consideration when it comes to housing, so before you begin your search, find out how much your stipend will be and when you’ll receive it. Most agencies add a percentage of the stipend to your weekly paycheck rather than paying it upfront, and amounts can vary substantially by location, so what you received on your last assignment may be different than what you’ll receive on your next assignment.

How your stipend is disbursed can impact your ability to pay for housing. Talk with your recruiter about any financial deposits needed before you secure your place. Other initial expenses include fees or deposits for utility hookups, such as electricity, water, and the internet. Your recruiter will be able to assist you with all of this, so don’t be hesitant to ask.

2. The availability of short-term housing

Many nurses who opt for a stipend are shocked to learn how scarce short-term housing is in some regions. Travel nurse assignments average only 13 weeks, but rentals may require tenants to sign leases for longer than that. If there are short-term housing options in the area, travel nurses may find themselves on long waiting lists.

Realtors who specialize in rental units can be great resources for travel nurses, particularly in urban areas where businesses regularly host temporary staff, contractors, and visiting employees. Websites such as Furnished Finder can also help you find furnished, short-term housing.

3. The importance of location

If you’re traveling to an unfamiliar town or city, location should be a major consideration in your housing search, and you should never commit to a rental without knowing exactly where it’s located. Most importantly, make sure your temporary home is situated in a safe neighborhood and has convenient routes to work.

Websites such as AreaVibes let you see neighborhood crime statistics so you can choose your housing wisely, and a mapping app can show you all the available routes to your workplace. Many apps do account for traffic, so plot your route at the times of day you’ll likely be commuting for an accurate idea of commute times.

Because most travel nurses secure their housing before arrival, make sure you see current pictures of any property you’re considering. Reading reviews from current and former tenants before signing a lease is another great way to discover any housing complex highlights and lowlights.

4. Your personal housing needs

Consider your personal housing needs when searching for a place to stay. Most travel nurses require furnished housing, but you may have other needs that are unique to your situation. If you’re traveling with pets, for example, you’ll need a pet-friendly rental. If you’re traveling with school-aged children, the local school district can be a big consideration.

Personal preferences may also factor into your decision. Some RNs want a ground-floor unit for convenience, and others prefer the security and privacy of an upper-level apartment, especially if they’ll be living alone.

5. Alternatives to apartment rentals

When searching for housing, remember that there are alternatives to apartments. Some great prospects for temporary housing include:

Friends and relatives. By rooming with loved ones, you can enjoy an extended visit while saving money.
Extended-stay hotels. Some hotels offer extended stays for reasonable prices, and you can benefit from housekeeping services.
Vacation rentals. If your assignment takes you to a prime vacation destination such as the seashore, take advantage of vacation rentals, especially in the off-season when prices drop. You may find inexpensive housing with a relaxing vacation vibe.
Airbnb. Airbnb lets you find short-term housing that offers local flavor and hospitality.
RVs. In regions that have camping facilities, renting an RV can be a unique approach to short-term housing.

Talk to your recruiter.

If you’re feeling unsure about travel nurse housing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agency. Staffing specialists often have experience with and knowledge about short-term housing options available near your assignment. They can also talk to you about the benefits and convenience of opting for company-arranged housing.

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By AB Staffing Solutions

March 29, 2021

9457 Views

Floating During a Travel Assignment

Posted on March 29, 2021May 19, 2021 by AB Staffing Solutions

This article was provided by AB Staffing.

If you’re thinking about becoming a travel nurse, it is important to consider the good and the bad. You will have many perks, including higher pay, great experience, and traveling to new areas, but you may also be asked to float during your assignment. This is especially true in areas impacted by winter weather and the pandemic.

When you float, you’re asked to move from one department to another for coverage. A common one is from ICU to a stepdown unit, but it’s not always like that. You may be working in other areas of the hospital, making it important to stay in touch with your on-site manager and your AB Staffing recruiter. You will need to keep them in the loop so they understand what is happening and can address any concerns.

As a floater during a travel assignment, you may be sent to another unit to cover shifts, breaks, and shortages in other areas of the facility. The reason is that hospitals are required by federal and state requirements to have a certain number of nurses per patient. While it can be challenging, the work can also be rewarding, especially if you like a new experience regularly. For others, it can be a struggle. In this article, we offer tips for success when you have to float.

Floating During a Travel Assignment

As a travel nurse, it is common to be asked to be a floater. This will likely happen more if you are in a private or commercial hospital compared to a federal facility. Every hospital has a different policy, so make sure to ask your recruiter before taking the contract. They should be able to give you an idea of how often it will happen at that specific facility. If you accept a contract and are asked to float and don’t want to, there may be little we can do except move you to another facility at the end of your contract.

Will there be an orientation for your new unit?

Likely, there will not be an orientation, and you will be learning on the job. While some travel nurses love the challenge, others may find it frustrating. Either way, it will be important to ask questions, pay attention, and stay calm. Follow the lead of the other nurses and take advantage of the learning experience.

When will you be asked to float?

It’s likely you will be asked to float at the beginning of your shift to cover an area in need of help, whether due to a patient-to-nurse ratio or a nurse shortage. It is probable you will stay in that unit for your entire shift.

How does a hospital choose where to send a floater?

They will, or should, send you to a unit that is similar to your skills and experience. They are unlikely to send a labor and delivery nurse to ICU as those are opposite ends of the spectrum, but if you’re an ICU nurse, you may be sent to Med Surg or similar.

You should never be asked to work on a unit where you do not understand the basics. Once you arrive, observe all that you can. Our nurses tell us they often learn something they can bring to their unit or improve a process as they observe others. If you’re not comfortable where you are moved, speak to your supervisor and recruiter. Your patients and your license should never be at risk.

Is the pay different when you float?

In general, travel nurse pay is higher than staff nurses. When you are asked to float during your shift, your payment will be the same as your department. There are separate opportunities to be a float pool nurse, and they generally are paid higher rates receive an average of 15% more than their permanent counterparts. Work with your recruiter to negotiate a contract that makes sense for you, your family, and your skills and experience.

What to do if you feel floating is getting excessive?

Your recruiter is your advocate, so we always encourage you to speak to them. If something seems unfair about what you are doing on any travel assignment, communicate it so that we can offer guidance to resolve the issue. We never want you or your license to be at risk.

When you’re floating during a travel assignment, communication with your on-site team and AB Staffing recruiter is key to your success. The experience of floating can prove to be educational, expanding your skills and experience.

If you’re ready for your next travel assignment, contact AB Staffing today at 888.515.3900.

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